“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. – 1 Cor. 6:12
I read this verse over the weekend and for some reason I keep thinking about it. It’s not like Paul was saying “don’t do this” or “you better not do that.” But he was making an interesting observation that kinda hits close to home for me. There are a lot of things I can do. I can watch whatever I want on television. I can eat whatever I want. I can scroll social media for an hour if I feel like it. None of those things are technically “sinful.” But does that mean they’re good for me? Probably not.
I like how Paul says, “not everything is beneficial.” And I especially like it when he says things that I don’t have to spend 10 minutes trying to figure out! LOL.. But I did spend a few minutes today thinking about stuff I let slip into my life – stuff that’s not necessarily wrong – but really isn’t overly helpful or productive sometimes… like I’m allowing certain things to fill up space that could be used for things that are so much better.
And then the last part – “I will not be mastered by anything.” Well, that one stings a little. Because even if something isn’t bad in itself, it can still end up having a hold on me. Isn’t it interesting just how easily our comforts can quietly become chains? They start out small, harmless even, until one day you realize it’s become part of you. Like our cellphones. Ever left your cellphone behind somewhere accidentally? Your heart starts racing. Where did I last have it? Was it the drug store? At the gas station? Oh my gosh! Where is my phone???! Sometimes I think we’re more concerned about where our phones are than where our children might be when they’re not with us.
Paul’s talking about sexual immorality here, but the truth of what he’s saying applies to a lot more than just sexual sin. Some of us at least attempt to draw a line between “acceptable” and “off-limits” stuff. But perhaps a better way to deal with some of these “not so black-and-white” areas is to ask ourselves, “Is this helping me grow closer to Christ? Or is it just making me seek comfort or security in things other than God?”
Paul’s statement isn’t one of legalism. It’s just good wisdom. Sometimes it’s good to think about how much influence something or someone has in our life.
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
– Proverbs 25:28
Former Blackout Artist 